Banks close on federal holidays, not on weekends or regular business days
If your bank is closed today, it is almost certainly because the United States observed a federal holiday. The Federal Reserve and the banking system shut down on 11 federal holidays each year. Your bank will not process transactions, and you cannot visit a branch or use most services that require human staff.
The holidays that close banks are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving.
If today is not one of those dates, your bank may have a local holiday or a special closure. Call the branch directly or check your bank's website to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holidays are the only reason banks close during the week; your bank will reopen tomorrow if today was a federal holiday.
- The 11 federal banking holidays are published by the Federal Reserve and affect all banks nationwide on the same dates.
- ATMs and online banking usually work on holidays, even though branches are closed and staff cannot process requests.
- If you need cash or a service that requires a person, plan ahead for the day before a holiday.
- Some regional banks or credit unions may close on additional local holidays not observed by the Federal Reserve.
What you can and cannot do when your bank is closed
ATMs work on federal holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using the machine. Online banking portals and mobile apps also stay open, so you can view transactions, pay bills, and move money between accounts from your phone or computer.
What you cannot do is speak to a person, deposit a check by hand, apply for a loan, or resolve a problem that requires staff intervention. Checks you deposit on a holiday will not be processed until the next business day. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday will process the next business day, not immediately.
If you use a bank that is part of a larger network, some branches in other locations may be open even if your local branch is closed. Credit unions often have different holiday schedules than banks, so your credit union may be open when your bank is not.
The 11 federal banking holidays and when they fall
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas | December 25 |
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the Federal Reserve observes it on the nearest weekday. If Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday. If New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, banks close on Monday.
How to learn about your specific bank is closed
The fastest way is to call your branch directly. The phone line will tell you the hours or confirm the closure. You can also check your bank's website or mobile app — most banks post holiday hours prominently on the homepage or in the branch locator tool.
If you are not sure which bank you use or do not have the number, search "[your bank name] near me" and click the branch closest to you. Google Maps and Apple Maps both show bank hours and will tell you if a location is closed today.
Some banks send email or text alerts about holiday closures in advance. If you have not received one and are unsure, calling is the safest option.
Planning ahead for holiday closures
If you know a federal holiday is coming, withdraw cash the day before if you think you will need it. Pay bills online or by phone before the holiday so payments do not sit unprocessed. If you need to deposit a check, do it before the holiday closes the branch.
For wire transfers or time-sensitive transactions, complete them on the business day before the holiday. Transfers initiated on a holiday will not move until the next day, which can matter if you have a deadline.
If you use direct deposit for paychecks or benefits, the deposit will still arrive on the scheduled date even if that date is a holiday. The Federal Reserve processes ACH transfers on holidays behind the scenes, so your money will be there when you check.
What to do if you need money on a holiday
Use an ATM to withdraw cash. Most ATMs are available 24 hours, even on holidays, and work with cards from banks nationwide. If you do not have an ATM card, you may be able to get cash back at a grocery store or pharmacy that accepts debit cards.
If you need to send money to someone, use your bank's online portal or mobile app to transfer funds between accounts or send money through a service like Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo. These services work on holidays, though some may take longer to process.
If you have a true emergency and cannot wait until the bank reopens, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have a phone line open on holidays for account problems, fraud, or urgent issues. The number is usually on the back of your debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my paycheck deposit on a holiday?
Yes. Direct deposits scheduled for a holiday will arrive on that date. The Federal Reserve processes ACH transfers on holidays, so your employer's payment will reach your account as planned. You can withdraw the money at an ATM even if the branch is closed.
Can I use my debit card on a holiday?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and stores on holidays. You can also use your card to pay bills online or through your bank's app. The only thing you cannot do is visit a branch and speak to a person.
What if I need to deposit a check on a holiday?
You can deposit checks through your bank's mobile app on a holiday if your bank offers mobile check deposit. Otherwise, the check will not be processed until the next business day. Bring it to the branch as soon as it reopens.
Do credit unions close on the same holidays as banks?
Most credit unions close on federal holidays, but some observe different local holidays or have different schedules. Call your credit union to confirm whether it is open today.
Why do banks close on federal holidays?
The Federal Reserve, which oversees the banking system, closes on federal holidays. Banks follow the Federal Reserve's schedule so that the entire financial system can shut down together. This prevents confusion and ensures that all banks process transactions on the same timeline.